17912/Burning Karaoke

Burning Karaoke
Date of Scene:	12 May 2024
Location:	Paradise Limelight Karaoke
Synopsis:	Bobby and Kiana hang out in Gotham. Hijinks ensue.
Cast of Characters:	Bobby Lane, Kiana

---

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby invites Kiana out again. However, this time it's going to take a bit for each of them. gotham is connected by Water, but it'll take a moment. Also, Bobby ahs to fly more inward. Eventually he makes it to the Kareoke bar he's heard of by reuptation. He's wearing a simple black leather coat, a pair of blue jeans and a light green shirt that bears some badn logo upon it. Bobby will sstand outsdie the bar and wait a little bit.

Kiana has posed:
The trip to Gotham was as straightforward for Kiana as going to New York would be. After she made her way through the city, getting lost several times and asking for directions. One man's answer earned him a forceful stream of water to his face. But other than that, Kiana eventually finds the place and goes inside.

She's wearing the blue sundress that Bobby had bought her. Her hair falling over her shoulders in soft waves with light brown highlights. She only makes it a little ways inside though as her eyes open wide as the exotic, TRON-like decore of the place is a bit overwhelming for the girl's first view of it. The lights flashing and the whole effect of the place just making Kiana stare with her mouth hanging open in awe, never having imagined a sight like this existing!

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby pauses at the decor. He's equally impressed. "I just heard of this place by reputation. I was going to show you Karaoke," his honesty is there for Kiana to see. "It's where friends get together and sing covers. It's embarassing, funa nd a little courages," he grins and he looks at her for a mometn.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana gives a little jump as Bobby comes over and starts talking, the girl so enraptured with the place she didn't notice him at first. Her face lights up immediately though, like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. "There you are," she says, and offers Bobby Lane a hug of greeting.

"Covers, are those something like songs?" she asks curiously as she looks around with interest. "I like the music that I've heard, well, a lot of places," she says. "Not all of it. There's some things that sound like someone is angry and trying to make their instruments angry too," the girl says in a simple tone with a tiny shake of her head. "Are you going to sing then?" she asks, turning to face Bobby fully.

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby gives her a hug tight and he grins. She is always a bright spot on a dark day. "Here I am," he says honestly.

A moment later he nods, "Covers are when people sing someone else's songs. Like singing a song when someone is on the radio," then he looks at her for a moment. "We both are," he adds and grins knowing she probably doesn't expect that one.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana happily presses in against Bobby during the hug. She stands near to him as they look about the place and he explains what a cover is. "Oh, so songs belong to people? I guess... that makes sense. Someone had to come up with the song the first time," she says, nodding as this bit of the workings of society is explained to her. The kind of thing she'd just never had reason to consider without a moment like that occurring.

She smiles, listening to Bobby, and then something he says seems to hit home. "Wait, we both are? But I don't know any songs?" she says, looking a little worried.

This also is the moment she realizes some guy across the room with a microphone is the one singing, and he's up in front with everyone watching. She reaches over, hand tightly grasping Bobby's side.

Bobby Lane has posed:
"Well, sorta. They're written like stories. There are authors to songs, too," Bobby tries to think of a way to explain it without going over board. Then he nods to her for a moment. "That's the thing, these places show you the lyrics. I would suggest any song that has 'Sunshine' in the title," he thinks they would have a lot of songs like that. Also, they're probably the happier songs. He thinks she would like that.

Bobby will lead them to a booth just so they can watch.

"We do need to buy drinks or something ot eat, if they serve food," he says and then will wait to see if a menu appears. It'll probably be for drinks of some form.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana follows Bobby over and takes a seat with him in the booth. She's looking around every which way, taking in the sights in a way that paints her as a noob to the whole karaoke experience. Let alone set in such a futuristic looking location.

She turns towards Bobby. "I brought money. I should pay for this since you paid for my dress," she says, smiling at him. She pulls out some money from where it was stashed inside her clothing, setting it on the table as if to let Bobby handle the actual administration of it. It's a few hundred dollars so should more than cover drinks or food.

Kiana thumps her foot beneath the table in time to the song that's being sung. "Do you come to places like this very often?" she asks.

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby sees how Kiana looks in that futuristic setting. How it looks as she watches her for a moment. Just seeing that sense of wonderment. He smiles a bit, "There are plenty of places like this."

When he's handed a few hundred dollars, "How did you get so much?" Bobby's genuine surprised as she has a bit. that's a detail that throws him off. He will put the money in his wallet for a moment.

The table thumps and he nods. "I used to. When things were calmer, nicer, I used to come here and small coffee shops with open microphones," although most of the time that was a little cringy as anyone and everyone would go to the microphone. It was a trainwrecck more often tahn not. "I miss it sometimes," he grins and looks at Kiana. "What do you think about it?"

Kiana has posed:
Kiana rests her hands in her lap as she watches a pair of girls go up on stage to sing a duet. They seem more drunk than talented, but the crowd claps, cheers, and laughs so seem to be enjoying it.

The young woman turns back to Bobby smiling. "Pearls for Old Ned mostly. Sometimes some clams for mother of pearl, or shells. But pearls are more useful to him. People like them more than the other things," she says.

"He asked if I was going to get my ears pierced so I could wear earrings. I am a little hesitant about putting holes in my body though," she says with a perplexed look.

The girl's smile grows a bit as Bobby gives the wistful comment about missing singing. "Then you'll definitely have to sing something she says, reaching over to rest her hand lightly on his arm as she smiles at him. "And you can pick out something and I will try. But I don't know that I'll be able to sing it right," she says. Not knowing the music and how the song goes and all.

Bobby Lane has posed:
"Pearls? Old Ned?"" Bobby obviously has questions about both of those. Then he looks at her and turn shi head to show her the piercings in his left ear. He'll reach up and undo the one in his ear lobe. "It doesn't hurt much and it's not bad," and it's a smallish hole. She can see it a little bit. "Nothing too bad at all. He has a few further up. However, he keeps them in place.

"I will sing," and he smiles seeing her hand rest on his arm. His gaze goes back to the stage. "Well, they have lyrics and he'll nod to see where people are looking. Their gaze doesn't move. "That monitor goes over the words with the time and tempo needed to sing," he says trying to ease her from any fear about not knowing the songs.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana's face brightens even more as Bobby asks about Old Ned. "So," she says, settling into her seat like she's going to tell a story. Or a short one at least. "When I washed up, injured, on the beaches of Genosha, I was found by a boy named Rafael. He's very sweet. And he ran back to the road, to the crossroads nearby. Where there's a diner and a garage that works on engines. And Old Ned has a jewelry stand. He makes the jewelry and sells it, mostly to people who stop to take a look, or to go to the diner. Also he sells some to stores in Hammer Bay," she explains.

She leans close to Bobby as a new song starts up so he can hear her over the music. "And there was a really nice man named Josh who looking at Ned's jewelry. And Rafael got them to follow him back down to the beach. Josh, his mutant power is healing. And he was able to heal my wounds and save my life," she explains.

"And I found an old abandoned surf shack just down the coast. Something from before the attack, the people aren't around anymore. So I stay there, and I go and see Ned and Rafael, and everyone else at the crossroads a lot," she says, smiling warmly. "And so he pays me for pearls and other things he can work into his jewelry. And then I use the money for, well, things like this," she says brightly.

Bobby Lane has posed:
"I remember you talking about him," he gives a nod just remembering a shorter version of the story. However, the jewelry stand is new. As is the detail of some of his actions. So, that's nice to piece together his story for a bit.

Then there's a pause. "What does this shack look like?" he wants to make sure it's like liveable and not something dilapidated like he sees in his mind. Her warm smile is assuring, but he still worries. And that's what urges him forward with some of the questions.

Kiana has posed:
The shack is another source of joy for Kiana apparently as her face again lights up. Perhaps putting Bobby to ease before she even begins answering. "Oh, it's so lovely. The wood is very soft and smooth. It doesn't leak since Rafael helped add something to the roof. And the big hole in the wall is facing the cove. So I can watch the sun set out over the ocean."

Ok maybe it won't put Bobby at ease.

"And it has a bed. There's wood that holds sand in place, so I can put a blanket over the top," she tells him brightly. "And the cove is ringed with plants that have all sorts of fruit. Between that and what I get from the water, there's always enough to eat."

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby is not put at ease for a moment. His gaze on her for a moment. Then he thinks on it. Honestly, it does sound like an island type of place. Like one of those outdoor bedrooms talked about on islands rich people owned. Albeit a very cheaper, scaled down form. "Do you ever want anything more or bigger?" he asks her honestly.

Kiana has posed:
"Bigger?" she asks, in a tone as if that had clearly never been a consideration for her. "No, it's more than large enough for me. I fit in it very easily, and there's a table next to the bed that I can put food on to keep it out of the sand," she explains. Very clearly happy with this simple arrangement.

"What about you, Bobby. What is the place like that you live? Are you in one of these really big buildings that we walked past in New York? Or do you have one of the smaller houses that families live in?" Apparently she's been learning. "Or maybe a trailer like some of the people have at the crossroads?"

Bobby Lane has posed:
"What if you have a guest you want to show the place to?" Bobby asks curiously. He wonders if that's a concept she ever thought about.

A smirk pulls at his lips and he shakes his head. "It's a big building, but they divide those up into many rooms called apartments. It's like a tiny house. Kinda. I live in one of those," thbat's the best way to put it. A small little studio that would do for now really. "One day I would like something bigger."

Kiana has posed:
Kiana's expression suggests not understanding the question, or how it's meant, though trying to. The puzzlement doesn't seem resolved as she leans over to say over the music, "I would just take them there. I can take someone through the water with me. Several people at once even. If there were a lot we probably wouldn't fit. The sailors I helped from a sinking ship, they wouldn't have all fit, so I sent them on to the crossroads so they could get to the city from there," she explains.

She smiles to Bobby then as he starts to go into his own home. "Is your apartment up high? Does it have a nice view?" she asks as if she's hoping that is indeed the case.

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby tries to think of a different way to put it. He thinks on it. "Would you be able to bring people over?" he asks honestly. He knows the sailors wouldn't stay. He's trying to picture it all.

Bobby chuckles, "It's high-ish, but the view sucks. It's just buildings. I can see a little of the street, but buildings. It's nothing to marvel at," and that's the truth. It's why he doesn' tpay too muchf or it.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana's expression turns very sympathetic, as if she thinks the lack of a view must be something that gnaws at Bobby on a daily basis. She gently reaches her hand down to rest on his. "You would think they would take that into account where they put it, and make sure everywhere had a view. There's so much land without buildings," she says simply.

She smiles at him though, as if to draw him out of any melancholy the lack of view at his apartment might have drawn out. "And yes, I can bring over anyone I want. If you like, after we've sang, and drank and eaten, I can take you back there. There's a fountain I saw a few blocks away. We can go from there," she offers.

Bobby Lane has posed:
"They do, that's why it's cheaper," he grins and watches the next pair go up to the microphone. It's a couple. He's not sure what they're going to sing. Probably something on par with "Ebony and Ivory" or something of a duet. He looks at Kiana, "They build these places and uderstand some of the qualities may not be the most desired. People charge less for those. When the more desired, get charged more," he says trying to explain it to her for a moment.

"I wouldn't be opposed to going back there. And the fountain is rather nice." He did see that on the way in. Leaning back a little bit, "Usually people want a family. If that day ever comes for you. Would the space be enough?" he asks thinking to pose it like that. His green eyes slip to Kiana as he watches her expression.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana also watches the pair go up. "I see the words but don't know how they know how the song is going to go to know how to sing it. They must already know the song," she murmurs loud enough for Bobby to hear.

She turns back to him and looks thoughtful at the question. "I suppose a few people could live there. I don't know if I have a family. I mean I must have parents, but I don't have any memory of them," she says, shaking her head. There's a little bit of a sad look, but not heartbreak or something like one might feel at losing people they actually remember feelings of love for. "Do you want a family?"

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby will point to where they're looking, "The lyrics show on a screen there. Think like a television, but it only shows the song's words. That's how they 'know' what to sing," he gives a quote. His gaze hears that sadness in her voice.

A similar yet different sadness runs in his voice, "I haven't had a family in a very long time. Not one by blood," he was about four the last time he had family by blood. Well, it's a little later than that. However, what family should meant, how it should by according to the whole stereotype. It's been nearly two decades for him. 5R
"I wouldn't be against having my own, but I would worry about being a good Dad, everything like that," he's honest there and shakes his head a little bit. A lot of fear there.

Kiana has posed:
The Pacific Islander seems to sense some of the emotions running through Bobby. Her hand gently gives his a soft squeeze, as if to remind him that there's someone there with him. "I imagine you would be a good father," she tells him. "You are kind, and..." she lowers her voice, leaning near to whisper, "And a hero, after all."

A woman comes by holding a tablet. "Would you like to get on the list to sing?" she asks Bobby and Kiana. Which causes Kiana to blush nervously and fall silent, letting Bobby answer.

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby squeezes her hand and he gives a nod. "It takes more than that to be a good Dad," and he says honestly. His voice nearlyd ips into something negative there. Bobby definitely has some Daddy issues.

The book comes over and he starts to thumb through some pages then hands it over to Kiana. "What ones sound good?" he knows she's clueless about songs. To Bobby this is almost a science expiriment to see what she would pick. Tosee what sounded best for her. He expects it to be soemthing that either sounds sweet, but is far from, akin to "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Or something that doesn't sound sweet that is actually sweet, "Lean on Me." He's just insanely curious.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana looks at the book as Bobby flips through it. Of course the names of the songs don't seem to mean a lot to her. So she's mostly looking at the pictures that accompany the songs, either album covers or the singers or maybe a still from a video.

"Oh, that one is nice, like a Rainbow!" she says, pointing to a song with a cover of five white stars outlined in the colors of the rainbow going off at angle down the image. "Carpenters Top of the World," she reads. "Is that a good song?" Kiana asks, looking up to Bobby and smiling hopefully.

Bobby Lane has posed:
There's a pause from Bobby and then he nods. "Alright then. We'll take next," Bobby nods and then he just waits for them to get called up. When the names "Bobby and Kiana!" are called, Bobby stands up and offers his hand. He guides them both to the stage.

Smiling he points to the screen on the stage that shows the lyrics.

"I'll take the opening bit," and he nods. When the song begins, Bobby begins to sing. The opening line. Yes, he hasn't heard it. However, he focuses on on the lyrics and cpativating the poeple. Just trying to get their attetnion. Although, it may take a little bit for Kiana to see. Bobby's just trying to make her feel comfortable.

Kiana has posed:
Kiana squeezes Bobby's hand a little tight. Not enough to hurt, nor is she particularly strong. She's rather slender and while fit, not exactly strong. Her eyes flit back and forth at the people watching them go up on stage.

She swallows nervously and looks at the microphone as it's handed to her. She touches the end and hears the light touch reverberate softly through the speakers. Two more taps to confirm she caused those sounds, and that makes her smile a little bit.

But only a little as the song starts. Her eyes grow wide with stage fright and she swallows, looking over at Bobby. She's listening to the music, trying to get used to how the song goes.

When it gets to her part she totally misses the start, and needs a nudge or something to make her realize the other colored dot is for her. "Everything I want the world to be," she sings, not exactly on the melody, but at least not off key. Much. "Is now coming' true especially for me..." she looks back to Bobby to see how she's going.

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby's tkaing first because he knows that nervsness is coming. So, he tries to make sure Kiana is comfortable. green eyes stay on her and he will give her hand a squeeze before they make it to the stage.

Seeing the stage fright, he'll give a plafyul nudge. Then he will take the microphone for his part singing on key, but when she looks at him, he'll nod with approval. Complete with a big smile, he will look her in the eye and give a nod.

An arm goes around her, to give Kiana a nod. His gaze slips forward to continue at the next part. A smile pulling at his lips as he keeps going.

"'I'm on top of the world lookin' down on creation.' And the only explanatiuon I can find..." the voice trails as he keeps going forward with the song.

Kiana has posed:
The young man's comforting presence is welcomed as Kiana stays close within the curl of Bobby's arm as she sings. By 'semi-pro' karaoke singers who live at such places on weekends, she doesn't do all that well for not knowing the melody. Though it gets better at the end as she starts to pick it up more. And she's not too badly off key for a novice. Not a burgeoning singer to be, but a pleasant enough voice that once she knows what note to sing the result is ok.

She feels a little better partway through, especially as a few people in the audience can sense the nervousness and cheer to encourage the pair.

The song winds down to the end, the prompter having them both singing.

"Is the love that I've found, ever since you've been around.
Your love's put me at the top of the world"

At the end she looks over to Bobby and then hugs him and hides her face against his shoulder.

Bobby Lane has posed:
Bobby sees the nervousness come from her and he will lean in close when he's singing. In a breathe he'll whisper to her, "You're doing great." Then he moves past her, keeping up the motions as he continues to sing. With his part.

The pair continue to see those last few lyrics. When it's done Kiana is hugging him tightly. "What's wrong?" he'll whisper right before the applauses come. He wil lrub her back. "You did great. You did wonderful," he praises her. And if she would allow, he would raise Kiana's hand. Gesture to her to give Kiana a moment to take a moment with the crowd. To enjoy her moment in the spotlight.

Kiana has posed:
The spattering of applause they get is enough to get a smile out of Kiana as she peeks out from where she's hiding her eyes against Bobby's shoulder. "Just... wasn't expecting it to feel like this in front of everyone," she says, smiling at Bobby softly.

The announcers are calling up the next singer, and Kiana is more than happy to slip off the stage and back to their table. Her cheeks are a bit flushes with a blush, but she's smiling. And Bobby would probably intuit that she had a good time doing it overall!

Bobby Lane has posed:
"How do you feel about your first time on stage" Bobby asks as they make their way over to their spot int he booths. He smiles as this is nothing new for him. The first time in a while? Yes. To him, it's old hat to a certain degree.

"What do you want to do now?" Bobby offers since this may have been more his choice than hers. So, he's trying to figure out a good compromise for the two of them.